Surging Lynx out to lock down No. 2 seed vs. Sun

Field Level Media|published: Mon 16th September, 13:17 2024

Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24), Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7), and Minnesota Lynx forward Bridget Carleton (6) watch a free throw Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Minnesota Lynx at Gainbride Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

The Minnesota Lynx look to continue their torrid play on Tuesday when they visit the Connecticut Sun in Uncasville, Conn.

The Lynx (29-9) have won six in a row and 13 of their last 14 entering their penultimate game of the regular season. The Sun (27-11), however, have had their number by winning both prior meetings this season.

Minnesota kept its faint hopes alive of securing the top overall seed in the playoffs with an 88-79 win over the WNBA-leading New York Liberty on Sunday.

"We're the No. 2 team in the league and we just played the No. 1 team, and we're really prideful about that," Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve said. "Our belief to be successful every game that we play. It's a (heck) of a win."

Bridget Carleton drained five 3-pointers and finished with 19 points for the Lynx, who can claim the top spot with wins in their final two games accompanied by losses from the Liberty in their last two.

Minnesota can secure at least second place with a victory over Connecticut on Tuesday.

Napheesa Collier, who collected 18 points and 13 rebounds on Sunday, erupted for a season high-tying 31 points in the Lynx's 83-82 overtime loss on the road against the Sun on May 23.

DeWanna Bonner capped a 20-point performance for the Sun in that overtime game by sinking a pair of late free throws.

Bonner, however, made just 3 of 10 shots from the floor -- and misfired on all four attempts from 3-point range -- in Connecticut's 84-71 road loss to the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday. The Sun's setback spoiled their bid for a perfect four-game road trip.

"We've got to move on quickly. That's the name of the game in this league," Connecticut coach Stephanie White said. "We still sit in a good spot.

"It's going to be a long travel night of course, getting home, getting rest, making sure that we're balancing rest and recovery with preparation, and we've got to turn the page. We've got to prepare ourselves for the next game while we're preparing ourselves for the playoffs. We just don't have a choice."

--Field Level Media